This poor bird has become an unwitting poster child against littering. The sulfur crested cockatoo has been learning to live life with a rude red plastic collar stuck around its neck. The cockatoo was spotted at Austinmer beach, just north of Wollongong on the NSW coast this week, drawing attention from onlookers with what looked to be an anti-scratch collar such as are used on dogs. But it is much more likely the plastic is rubbish and the bird has become tangled. Attempts to catch the bird in order to help it have not been successful, as it is mobile and can fly seemingly untroubled. The plastic bears several holes that look like bite marks, so the cocky may have been able to at least cut down the size of the collar. The wildlife rescue organisation WIRES said it had been receiving reports from community members about this bird for several weeks, and a member was monitoring it regularly. If you know more, or if you have seen the cocky and can share an update on its health, please get in touch via email at blangford@fairfaxmedia.com.au Illawarra Mercury

Why on earth does a cocky have a rubbish collar around its neck?

This poor bird has become an unwitting poster child against littering.

The sulfur crested cockatoo has been learning to live life with a rude red plastic collar stuck around its neck.

The cockatoo was spotted at Austinmer beach, just north of Wollongong on the NSW coast this week, drawing attention from onlookers with what looked to be an anti-scratch collar such as are used on dogs.

FREEDOM FIRST: The cocky would not be caught.

But it is much more likely the plastic is rubbish and the bird has become tangled.

Attempts to catch the bird in order to help it have not been successful, as it is mobile and can fly seemingly untroubled.

RUBBISH COLLAR: The bird was able to move freely.

The plastic bears several holes that look like bite marks, so the cocky may have been able to at least cut down the size of the collar.

The wildlife rescue organisation WIRES said it had been receiving reports from community members about this bird for several weeks, and a member was monitoring it regularly.

If you know more, or if you have seen the cocky and can share an update on its health, please get in touch via email at blangford@fairfaxmedia.com.au

ALL WRONG: Does anyone need any more reasons to not litter at the beach? This cockatoo, spotted with a rude plastic collar at Austinmer, should make it clear. Pictures: BEN LANGFORD.